Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I be concerned about government regulation?

Regulation that affects your business could be introduced at any level of government. Sometimes this is positive, such as incentives to homeowners to upgrade to a more efficient appliance. You will want to be informed of these opportunities as they arise. Government usually communicates to an industry through its trade association and the association is in contact with the government in order to keep you informed. The association also advocates for these programs on behalf of industry. Often regulation can have a negative effect by limiting and sometimes eliminating the products you sell. This can happen through municipal bylaws such as burn bylaws. HPBAC will help you fight unfair regulation and will advocate the benefits of your products to government.

Why would I attend EXPO?

EXPO features the biggest selection of hearth, patio and barbecue products under one roof. You’ll want to see all of the exciting new products available, meet with your suppliers and look for new products. It’s important to keep your store current and fresh to keep customers coming back and to draw in new customers. EXPO also offers a great selection of sales, marketing and business management education sessions and technical training. It’s a great opportunity to network with other industry members. HPBAC hosts an information meeting called Focus Canada and a Canadian Reception at EXPO each year. Focus Canada is a good opportunity to join Canadian industry members for updates and a chance to discuss issues that concern you. The Canadian Reception is attended by over 250 people each year and is always a lot of fun. You’ll meet people from all over and have a chance to network in a relaxed environment.

What other events does HPBAC hold?

We host regional Education Days and local meetings with a range of topics. In the past as part of our Building Your Business series we’ve offered The Art of Selling, Professional Service is Profitable and The Changing Retail Environment as well as Barbecue Education Days. HPBAC also supports the ongoing development of industry-specific training courses.

How can membership save me money?

HPBAC membership saves you the cost of EXPO passes. If two members of your staff attend EXPO that’s already a $150 US savings on passes. Members always receive preferred rates for HPBAC and HPBA programs and events. You can also save through our Affinity Programs, including our competitively priced and comprehensive Business Insurance Program, and through discount programs such as Choice Hotels and Hertz Car Rentals. Our Mystery Shopping program gives you a comprehensive report on your store’s performance with customers at the very reasonable cost.

How does HPBAC keep members informed?

HPBAC publishes an e-newsletter, usually every month, that includes updates on association activities, government relations issues, industry news and notices about information that is available to members, such as market research results and articles in the media.In addition to the above we often send out bulletins when an important issue comes up so you are always up to date.Our website contains information for members and homeowners on products, events, resources and safety tips and a Search function so homeowners and members can find members. HPBA’s website is also full of great resources for members, including press releases, market research, product fact sheets and much more.

How does HPBAC promote the industry?

Both HPBA and HPBAC act as a resource for media and the public. We receive more and more enquiries from the media on issues relating to hearth, patio and barbecue products. Press releases are issued regularly on topical issues such as “Are you Prepared for a Power Outage”, “Consumer Survey Indicates Fireplaces and Stoves Play Key Role in Selling Homes” and “Consumers Prefer to Stay Home to Cook Out”.

There are many Barbecue, Outdoor Room and Hearth product fact sheets available on the HPBA website for members to use in their stores. These fact sheets contain great information on your products and how to use them.

We have also worked with government to develop programs such as EnerChoice which identifies the 25% most efficient gas hearth appliances and the Burn it Smart program across Canada which was adopted by the US EPA into their Burn Wise program. HPBAC also consults on publications such as The Guide to Residential Wood Heating — a popular guide published by Natural Resources Canada, along with various other publications relating to hearth products.

Along with all of our communication and outreach efforts, including the HPBAC Consumer eBook, HPBA’s BBQ & Hearth Social Media Campaigns, our Press Release series and our website, HPBAC has become much more involved in advocacy and lobbying efforts to municipal, provincial, and the federal governments. We are continuously fighting for your rights to sell the products you sell, and working with the government to fund projects, like Woodstove Changeout Programs, to not only promote the sale of products, but also to demonstrate the benefits of the products our members sell.

How many members does HPBAC have?

HPBAC currently has close to 500 members across Canada. Many of your competitors are already members, taking advantage of the savings and resources we offer. We’d like to make the association even stronger, giving us a stronger voice with government and the ability to increase our public relations efforts and continue to improve our member benefits.

What do I have to do as a member?

You can become involved in the association by joining an HPBAC committee including a regional committees, participating in a task force or you can just enjoy the benefits of membership without volunteering. It’s up to you how involved you become, but volunteering provides many advantages to members.

How do I become a member?

We can send you an application by email, fax or mail. You can download our application from our website WWW.HPBACANADA.ORG or WWW.HPBA.ORG. Or call 1-800-792-5284 and you can join by phone.

Become A Member

Members of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC) are the leading companies that produce, sell, or service appliances and accessories in the hearth and barbecue industries in Canada. Join today to take advantage of all the benefits your company will receive.